Climate Change Adaptation

Natural, undisturbed coastlines help protect Nova Scotia against the impacts of climate change because they act like a buffer, protecting inland areas against climate change impacts such as accelerated erosion, ice damage, flooding, and damage from storm surge events. Coasts are dynamic and resilient systems, yet human induced changes reduce their natural adaptability and make them more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Approximately 80% of the Atlantic Region’s coast is considered to be highly sensitive to sea-level rise. Researchers are predicting sea levels in the Atlantic region will increase an average of 70 cm by 2100. In Nova Scotia, climate change will increase the rate of coastal erosion and the risk and magnitude of floods. This is especially true in areas already under pressure from human activities that disrupt natural processes reduce the coast’s natural buffering capacity. Good planning can reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities and coastal ecosystems to climate change impacts.

The Coastal Issues Committee is working with municipalities and community groups to support coastal planning as a climate change adaptation strategy through sharing information, and strategies and approaches from other jurisdictions.

An example of our approach is illustrated in the report from our June 2007 “Changing Climate, Changing Coasts on Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in Nova Scotia” learning circle, organized jointly with the Coastal Communities Network and the Coastal Coalition of Nova Scotia. Contact us to request a copy of this report! The keynote presentation from this event “Nova Scotia Coastal Impacts and Adaptation Issues" is available at the Coastal Communities website.
 

Coastal Issues Committee

Phone: (902) 442-5046
Fax: (902) 405-3716

How do you like your coast? Take action on coastal issues that matter to you. The Coastal Issues Committee meets at the EAC on the last Thursday of every month at 5:30PM.